Yesterday, I found a 1999 $10 star along with a 1999 $5 star. Did something happen in 1999 that keeps causing me to find stars from this series? I have now 4 or 5 1999 stars.
What is this Star anyway??? My g/f has taken up collecting notes and we were wondering about the dang star...
From a site called Ron's Paper Money (http://www.ronscurrency.com/rcpmfaq.htm#STAR) "A STAR Note is a note with a STAR (*) in the prefix or suffix position of the serial number. These notes are typically used to replace a note damaged during the printing process to maintain the correct count of notes in a serial number run. Packs of STAR notes are sometimes released when the supply is greater than what's needed. Since STAR notes are much more uncommon, they are prized by collectors."
It is my understanding that the star on the note means that the serial number was manually stamped other them the automated stamping during the normal printing process. I was told that when the printing process is set up there are several sheets of notes that are used to ensure proper alignement for one thing. These sheets do not get serial numbers because of their potential for scrap. If they are acceptable then they are give a serial number "with the star". Of course I could be all wrong about this.
When the BEP makes notes, they'll have, for example, note A123456789A. During printing, the note is messed up and is unsuitable for circulation. It would be againts BEP regulations to reproduce the same exact serial number, a star * is added to the final letter. I believe the A123456789* would be placed between A123456788A and A123456790A in a BEP strap. Many years ago, the star was placed at the beginning of the serial number.
So are Star Notes worth anything more than face value or are they just more a curiosity? I got a $10 1999 series today. Wouldn't have even noticed it or known what it was before this thread. ~Brian
They do have value, depending on the condition, serial number, and overall rarity of the note. They are generally worth 1.5, 2x face.
Thanks. I'm guessing a $10 1999 Series (BF17112573*) with some wrinkles & wear marks isn't worth much, maybe a buck or two over $10. I'd think a newer bill like this isn't super hard to get in better condition than this. Since I don't collect currency sounds like I should just spend it.
